Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with bold flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe allows the chicken to absorb the rich essence of garlic and butter while cooking slowly. The result is tender, juicy chicken that can easily become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other tasks.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even in wraps for a satisfying meal any way you like.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers store well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It evenly cooks food over several hours, resulting in flavorful and tender dishes.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your garlic butter sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Ingredients

This Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken requires simple yet effective ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds.)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick.)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

For Garnishing

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)
• 1 piece lemon, juiced

How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stove. Add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece of chicken to ensure they are fully coated.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken for added zest and flavor.

Step 4: Cook Slowly

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate. You can shred it or serve whole as desired.

Step 6: Drizzle with Sauce

Spoon some of the remaining garlic butter sauce over your chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy!

For best results, serve this dish over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 8: Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can transform your meal into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this flavorful dish.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal that complements the tender chicken well.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft or hard tacos, topped with fresh vegetables and salsa for an exciting twist.

On a Salad

• Combine sliced chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad option that balances flavors.

In Pasta Dishes

• Toss the cooked chicken with pasta and your favorite sauce, creating an easy weeknight dinner packed with flavor.

As a Sandwich

• Use the chicken in sandwiches or wraps, adding crisp lettuce and avocado for a delicious lunch option.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, follow these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, organic chicken breasts for superior taste and tenderness.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the garlic and spices according to your personal preference for more robust flavors.
• Add vegetables: Consider adding carrots, potatoes, or green beans into the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
• Don’t rush cooking time: Allowing the chicken to cook on low for 6 hours ensures it stays juicy and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking can enhance the overall aroma and taste.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest before slicing. This helps retain its juices for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli
   A simple yet nutritious side that adds color and crunch while balancing out the richness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce; garlic bread adds an irresistible touch to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them until caramelized; they complement the main dish beautifully.
4. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of garlic butter chicken.
6. Couscous
   Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base that absorbs flavors from the chicken sauce effectively.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with savory dishes, making them a healthy accompaniment.
8. Green Beans Almondine
   Lightly sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds add elegance and texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Incorrect Butter Measurement: Using too much or too little butter can alter the flavor and texture. Stick to 1/2 cup for balance.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Leaving the chicken in the slow cooker for too long can dry it out. Aim for about 6 hours on low for juicy results.
• Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season properly will lead to bland chicken. Ensure you use enough salt, pepper, and spices for full flavor.
• Not Coating the Chicken Evenly: Pouring the garlic butter mixture on top without proper coating can cause uneven flavor distribution. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale garlic or herbs can diminish taste. Always use fresh garlic and parsley for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date.

Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover chicken with foil and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in short intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken.

How do I make Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken tastier?

You can enhance flavors by marinating the chicken overnight with garlic and spices before cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor, making them a great alternative.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken?

Cooking on low takes about 6 hours; this ensures tender and flavorful chicken.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs or add veggies to make it your own. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet easy!

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Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that delivers on both flavor and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe features boneless chicken breasts simmered slowly in a rich garlic butter sauce, resulting in tender, juicy meat bursting with savory goodness. With minimal prep time required, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a bowl and mix in minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over them.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken for added zest.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
5. Serve hot with extra sauce drizzled on top and garnish with chopped parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 360 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg